Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm

I immediately headed to the Han Family estate where Han Baekyeong was, accompanied by Dokgo Jun. The Han Family estate was in a frenzy of chaos, with corpses strewn about here and there, and traces of battle and bloodstains everywhere, making it clear that a fierce fight had taken place. Most of the bodies appeared to belong to outsiders rather than Han Family members.

Han Jinseong, the young house lord of the Han Family, who had been tending to the wounded with a weary expression, spotted us and cupped his fists in greeting.

"I pay my respects to the Dharma Protectors."

Luoyang was already firmly in the grasp of the White Lotus Cult, so there was no longer any need to hide or disguise our identities as Dharma Protectors. Dokgo Jun gave a light nod in response and spoke.

[Where is Dharma Protector Han Baekyeong?]

"This way, please."

We followed Han Jinseong to Han Baekyeong. She was in her room, glaring darkly at the murky sky. A moment later, Dokgo Jun addressed her.

[What's the current state of Luoyang?]

Crash!

It was right then. The sound of a window shattering came from somewhere, followed by the eruption of intense combat. Rushing over, we saw about ten deranged humans who had broken in, clashing with the Han Family's guards. Surprisingly, the madmen were dressed not as martial artists, but as common folk.

"Kraaaah!!"

"B-block them!"

Yet, in a shocking turn, moments later, several guards screamed and perished under the madmen's terrifying strength and speed. It took first-class experts stepping in to barely suppress them. Even when sword qi-infused blades severed a madman's arm, it showed no sign of pain and kept attacking relentlessly, leaving even the experts stunned.

Dokgo Jun watched the scene before flicking his finger.

Boom.

With that single gesture, all the madmen exploded and died. No matter how enhanced their physical abilities, they couldn't withstand the flood dragon form of qi. After clearing the situation and saving the guards from peril, Dokgo Jun spoke to Han Baekyeong in a voice tinged with unease, as if it didn't sit well with him.

[Is this kind of thing happening nonstop?]

"Yes. You saw their power for yourself."

[ Hm... Not on the level of dragonkin or demonkin, but still a nuisance.]

Each madman possessed the combat prowess of a nimble tiger. Their vitality, superhuman strength, and reflexes far surpassed those of ordinary people, forcing even first-class experts to risk their lives to take them down. If hundreds of thousands of such madmen swarmed in, it would spell absolute disaster.

"At this rate, Luoyang will be annihilated. Law and order have already collapsed, and even the garrison troops are falling in their duties."

Dokgo Jun glanced at her.

[ That's not the priority right now. We've uncovered the enemy's goal, so we need your help. ]

"What are you talking about?"

"I'll explain."

I stepped forward in Dokgo Jun's place and relayed to Han Baekyeong the information we'd obtained from Nambuk Nosun. After listening thoughtfully, she spoke.

"Shouldn't we first guess who in the Heavenly Realm they think can rival the Cult Leader? The Token of Authority is said to have close ties to immortals, so it must belong to a high-ranking Grand Immortal with an ancient legend fitting that description."

It was a valid point. But hearing it, I couldn't help sighing.

"Ha... With the enemy potentially attacking any day now, how are we supposed to figure that out?"

"Vice Cult Leader. Sorry, but I have no guesses either. You should seek out Sangwan Hyeok."

Even after my appointment as Vice Cult Leader, she didn't seem pleased, always addressing me plainly in the Cult Leader's absence. Of course, her position wasn't one to be judged by mere rank, so I had no intention of quibbling over it.

"Sangwan Hyeok?"

"If he doesn't know, no one does."

I agreed with her. Who else but Sangwan Hyeok—a demonic sorcerer who collaborated with the White Lotus Cult Leader to uncover Luoyang's deepest secrets—could know the Token's location at this point?

"Thank—"

But as I moved to leave, Zhuge Sa spoke in exasperation.

[ Idiot. I'm dying of frustration watching you fumble around. Why take the long way when there's an easy path? ]

[ What do you mean, how...? ]

[ There's a simpler way than going to Sangwan Hyeok. ]

When Zhuge Sa explained his method, I inwardly sighed.

[ Hm, right. ]

The emergence of the Taepyeongdao had been absurd, and Nambuk Nosun's intentions so unexpected, that I'd been swept up in the chaos and overlooked the obvious. That was the first place I should have gone. Glancing at Dokgo Jun, I said to Zhuge Sa,

[...But I can't bring Dokgo Jun there.]

[ Ditch him appropriately. If you can't handle that, how do you plan to stop Nambuk Nosun? ]

[ Ugh, fine. ]

I organized my thoughts and spoke to Dokgo Jun.

"Dokgo Jun. I have a lead, so I'll head to the Four Not Images alone for a bit. You stay here and help Han Baekyeong maintain order in Luoyang."

As expected, Dokgo Jun's golden dragon mask twitched in displeasure.

[ Where are you going? I must accompany you. ]

"Sorry, but I can't allow that. It's a place only I can visit."

[ Nonsense... For a Vice Cult Leader to act alone without reporting in this crisis? ]

As Dokgo Jun took a step forward, I quickly retorted.

"We don't have time to argue. You know better than anyone what my relationship with the Cult Leader is like, right? We thrive by aiding each other when needed—not by tripping each other up like this, which would only harm the Cult Leader."

[ Hm... ]

"I need time to use my own methods."

Dokgo Jun let out a low hum before nodding.

[ Understood. Please don't do anything foolish. ]

"You focus on your part."

Irritated, I shot back curtly and mounted the Four Not Images, heading straight to the village near Luoyang's outer walls. I buried the Heavenly Dark Secret Book in a nearby pine grove, then entered the barrier. An illusionary barrier activated, and Cheon Jin appeared before me.

Cheon Jin spoke in a gruff tone.

"What is it this time?"

"You don't know? Are you unaware that Nambuk Nosun has unleashed this great chaos?"

When I countered, he nodded curtly.

"Of course I know. It's the Heavenly Realm flexing its power. And that Nambuk Nosun—lover of meddling in the human realm—has been chosen as the vanguard, wielding Taepyeong sorcery. So what?"

As expected of the human realm's strongest sorcerer, he knew everything even from his perch. But his casual, so-what attitude sparked irritation rather than respect. Knowing I didn't have time to bicker, I waved him off.

"...Anyway, step aside. I need to ask Immortal Sage Mangyang about this incident."

"Ridiculous."

"What?"

"My master isn't someone you can summon just because you want to see him. Don't bother him and get lost."

Why is this guy so prickly?!

We'd parted on reasonably good terms last time, but today he was unusually cold. Yet his power was so immense that forcing my way through was nearly impossible. As I hesitated, Zhuge Sa spoke.

[ Something feels off. Better to withdraw. ]

[ What? You're the one who suggested coming here—what now? ]

I retorted in bewilderment.

Indeed, I'd come thinking that offering tribute directly to Immortal Sage Mangyang—guardian of the Dao and bearer of immense divine power—would surely yield answers about this crisis. It was far more practical and certain than visiting Sangwan Hyeok. So when the proposer himself advised retreat, I was thrown.

Zhuge Sa spoke cautiously.

[ This method is clearly simple and precise... but Cheon Jin's reaction is strange. ]

[ Why? ]

[ He's not one to reject you without reason. Remember his attitude last time? ]

[ Hm. ]

He'd been arbitrary in his words, but Cheon Jin's final response had been amicable. He'd even given advice-like words.

[ Looks like something's happened to Immortal Sage Mangyang, whom he guards. Otherwise, this behavior doesn't make sense. ]

Zhuge Sa continued.

[ This isn't the time. Let's leave before leaving a worse impression. We can't make an enemy of Cheon Jin. ]

[ Damn it. ]

I gritted my teeth. If something had truly befallen Immortal Sage Mangyang, Cheon Jin wouldn't answer anyway. The wise choice was to withdraw silently. Sighing with regret, I asked,

"Cheon Jin. Madmen and falling thunder are rampant in Luoyang right now. Innocent people are dying—do you think this is right?"

At least I'd hear his perspective. He replied coldly.

"I think the White Lotus Cult and the Twelve Laws that pushed the Heavenly Realm this far are at fault."

"What do you mean?"

"The Heavenly Realm must manage the earth due to its inherent limitations. And it uses any means necessary. You lot forced them to reveal their true nature."

With that, Cheon Jin turned and walked into the illusionary barrier.

"I'll give you one piece of advice. Abandon Luoyang. Otherwise, you'll regret it."

"_ _"

"If it ends with Luoyang, the Heavenly Realm's rampage will likely stop on its own. Heed my words."

I stared blankly into the barrier where Cheon Jin had vanished.

'Abandon Luoyang?'

If even he said that much, this assault on Luoyang was the Heavenly Realm coming in earnest. With a heavy heart, I mounted the Four Not Images and headed to the Sangwan Family estate, where Sangwan Hyeok was.

Crackle! Zap!

Black lightning crackled near the Sangwan Family estate. Charred corpses of madmen who'd tried to invade lay scattered about, drawn like moths to a flame only to perish. It seemed Sangwan Hyeok had set up a defensive barrier with sorcery.

Of course, this was no obstacle for the Four Not Images' dimension-ignoring ability. Arriving at Sangwan Hyeok's study stop by stop, he turned from gazing outside and said,

"You look like you have questions."

"The ones attacking Luoyang are Nambuk Nosun, U-gil, and Janggak. They seek the Token of Authority to awaken a powerful figure... You desperately wanted the Token too—any guesses?"

Sangwan Hyeok shook his head.

"No guesses."

"Really none?"

"You think I'd welcome Luoyang's fall? But powerless, I can only watch..."

Sangwan Hyeok seemed genuinely helpless. Scratching my head, I thought,

'Well, he's more demonic sorcerer than true sorcerer. Maybe he doesn't know much about the Token...'

I pressed him further, but he knew nothing. Realizing more questions were pointless, I returned to the Cult Leader and reported.

The Cult Leader listened calmly before speaking.

[ No helping it. We'll have to fight head-on... ]

"Are you sure that's wise?"

[ Luoyang will be the base to spread the White Lotus Cult's light in the future. We'll take the risk. ]

Whoosh!!

Moments later, the Cult Leader summoned me along with the Dharma Protectors and the five Heavenly Spirit Pill owners.

[ Let's go. ]

He stored everyone except me in the gourd vessel, then rode the Four Not Images with me. As we neared the Taepyeongdao's madly advancing horde, the Cult Leader dismounted without a word and released the gourd.

His command rang out.

[ Annihilate them all. ]

[ Understood! ]

[ Understood! ]

Rumble.

A ferocious storm of qi swept the field. With five Heavenly Spirit Pill owners plus the Dharma Protectors materializing, they unleashed random barrages of qi. Wielding infinite inner energy, it felt less like martial arts and more like a natural disaster.

Boom boom boom.

Kaboom.

In an instant, everything within five li was shredded and erased. Boundless palm force carved up mountains and fields, inscribing rays of light in the sky. The ground burned as water dragons and fire dragons dozens of zhang in size soared. Witnessing the spectacle from above, I swallowed hard.

This was the might of the Heavenly Spirit Pills!

The Cult Leader hadn't even joined yet, and they'd already massacred at least ten thousand Taepyeongdao forces. No wonder armies meant nothing to the White Lotus Cult. Tireless, they felt like tactical weapons beyond mortal martial artists.

After about half a shichen like this?

The White Lotus Cult's smooth slaughter halted as the Cult Leader, observing from the air, suddenly tensed. He warned the frontline water God Ryu Elder, Dokgo U.

[ U! Fall back! ]

[ Pardon? ]

[ Everyone, to me! ]

The rampaging frontline elders hurriedly executed lightness skills and retreated behind him. The Cult Leader summoned a bizarre mandala form from his body, maximally drawing forth his inner spirit energy. Soon, thousands of mandalas bloomed like the sun on a clear day, radiating light.

Shiiiine—

Realizing what the Cult Leader was unleashing, I was stunned.

'Heart Heaven Infinite?!'

His ultimate technique, used only against true archfoes! He'd held it back even against Yi Cheongun, revealing it only to the Twelve Laws Lord or the evil gods of the Demon Subjugation Hall. I didn't know its exact power, but even the invincible Cult Leader used it sparingly.

Ooooh.

The Heart Heaven Infinite mandalas intertwined like lotus petals, forming a spherical shape. Twisting stereoscopically in the air, they took on a form as if shielding the White Lotus Cult members.

Unable to comprehend the focused Cult Leader, I asked,

"Cult Leader, why suddenly..."

He replied gravely.

[ It's a trap. We're already caught in a formation. ]

"What?"

[ One laid by a Grand Immortal himself—its power will be immense. ]

Whoosh.

Moments later, he stored the Dharma Protectors and Heavenly Spirit Pill owners back in the gourd and tossed it to me. Catching it, he continued.

[ Vice Cult Leader Baek Woong. Take them all back to headquarters. This foe isn't easy enough to fight while protecting you. ]

"_ _"

It seemed the slaughter of tens of thousands of Taepyeongdao was mere bait to trigger the formation. As he said, we were in the heart of a grand killing formation crafted by three Grand Immortals. Sending everyone else away while he stayed was rational. I asked,

"Cult Leader. Couldn't we just shatter it together with the Heavenly Spirit Pills' power?"

[ No. Instinct tells me this grand formation isn't that simple. ]

"Instinct?"

[ My seven senses, born from reaching Primordial Spirit and ascending higher, are warning me. ]

He gazed at me steadily.

[ What are you waiting for? Go. ]

Meeting his eyes, I replied,

"What makes you trust me with them? What if I seal them eternally in the gourd and run?"

[ Hah. If you were that type, we'd have mutually destroyed each other months ago, no? ]

"_ _"

[ I know you seek some conclusion through me. As long as that intent holds, you won't betray me. ]

It was then.

Rumble.

The sky darkened abruptly, rain poured, and lightning struck. Divine energies arose at the horizon, enveloping the entire sky. Seeing it, the White Lotus Cult Leader from afar. Facing him directly was Nambuk Nosun, who smirked coldly.

[ Fleeing? You think that's possible? ]

[ Nambuk Nosun, is it. ]

[ Indeed. Evil one. You walked into the trap yourself—time to end this. ]

[ We'll see. ]

As the Cult Leader retorted, a long wooden staff materialized in Nambuk Nosun's hand.

[ U-gil, Janggak. ]

[ Yes, Master! ]

The two Grand Immortals responded, and he narrowed his eyes.

[ Use the Token of Authority. ]

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